Therapeutic composition

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a topical composition for prevention and treatment of viral infections.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 15/171,646 filed Jun.2, 2016 which claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 62/172,463, filed Jun. 8,2015, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to a topical composition for prevention andtreatment of viral infections.

2. Description of Related Art

The inventors have developed Ionic Contra-Viral Therapy for thetreatment of HPV-related skin diseases. Ionic Contra-Viral Therapy(ICVT) was described in 2006 as a novel approach to the treatment of DNAviruses by local application of certain compounds that inhibit thetransport of sodium and potassium across cellular membranes (Hartley,Ionic Contra-Viral Therapy (ICVT); a new approach to the treatment ofDNA virus infections. Archives of Virology. December 2006, Volume 151,Issue 12, pp 2495-2501). The disturbances in the intracellularenvironment created by this inhibition are believed to compromise theability of viruses to proliferate, as intracellular K+is necessary forviral DNA synthesis (Hartley, The effects of lithium and potassium onmacromolecular synthesis in herpes simplex virus-infected cells. Journalof General Virology (1993), 74, 1519-1525). Depletion of intracellularK+ in DNA virus-infected host cells provides a novel and effectiveapproach to antiviral therapy. ICVT, is envisioned to have potentialclinical utility in indications which are caused by or related to, forexample, human papillomavirus, including cutaneous warts.

Overall, an evidence-based approach to therapy for cutaneous wartsindicates that there is no single therapy that has proven effective inall (or even most) patients. This represents a significant unmet medicalneed for novel therapy. ICVT represents an opportunity to utilize thecontra-viral activity of digoxin and/or furosemide as found innon-clinical and in vitro studies against HPV as a potentially effectivetreatment for, for example, cutaneous warts. The approach will utilize,for example, an initially short course of treatment, while attempting tolimit the potential for systemic exposure to either drug.

All references cited are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulationcomprising: at least one diuretic; alkylene glycol in the range of about20-60% w/w; ethanol in the range of about 20-60% w/w; at least onethickener in the range of about 0.5% to 5% w/w; a buffer which maintainsthe formulation pH at about pH 3 to about pH 8; and optionally,polyalkylene glycol in the range of about 0-20% w/w; q.s. with water,wherein the concentrations are based on the total weight of theformulation, further wherein the topical gel formulation is anti-viral.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation whereinthe topical gel formulation is storage stable at room temperature. Theinvention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein thebuffer is in the range of about 2-15% w/w. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein the topical gelformulation is capable of cutaneous and/or dermal delivery. Theinvention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein thediuretic is selected from the group consisting of furosemide,bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, torsemide, muzolimide, azosemide,piretanide, tripamide, chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide,chlorthandone, indapamide, metozalone, cyclopenthiazide, xipamide,mefruside, dorzolamide, acetazolamide, methazolamide, ethoxzolamide,cyclothiazide, clopamide, dichlorphenamide, hydroflumethiazide,trichlormethiazide, polythiazide, benzothiazide, and combinationsthereof.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation whereinthe diuretic is furosemide. The invention provides a pharmaceuticaltopical gel formulation wherein said diuretic is present at range ofabout 0.01-10 w/w %.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation whereinthe alkylene glycol is propylene glycol. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation capable of transcutaneousdelivery of said diuretic through the stratum corneum to the basalepidermis. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gelformulation wherein said diuretic is capable of percutaneous absorption.The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation incombination with an occlusive dressing, coating or other layer. Theinvention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein thebuffer is a buffer system selected from the group consisting of citricacid and sodium citrate; citric acid and potassium citrate; phosphoricacid and sodium phosphate; phosphoric acid and potassium phosphate;amino acid bases and their acids; arginine and arginine HCl; lysine andlysine HCl; tartaric acid and sodium tartrate; tartaric acid andpotassium tartrate; adipic acid and sodium adipate; adipic acid andpotassium adipate; malic acid and sodium malate; malic acid andpotassium malate; sodium phosphate monobasic and sodium phosphatedibasic; and combinations thereof. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein the buffer is a bufferingagent selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, potassiumhydroxide, and combinations thereof. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein the buffer is citratebuffer. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulationwherein the buffer is citric acid and sodium citrate. The inventionprovides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation further comprising atleast one excipient which is skin-tolerant and/or keratolytic. Theinvention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation in which thegel carrier medium comprises a cosolvent mix. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation in which the pH is less than 7.The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation in whichthe pH is about 6.3 to about 6.8. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation in which the thickener comprisesone or more of the following: Carbomers, cellulose derivatives, orhydroxyalkylcellulose. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topicalgel formulation wherein the thickener comprises hydroxypropylcellulose,in an amount of about 1 to 5% by weight based on the total weight of theformulation. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gelformulation wherein the thickener comprises hydroxypropylcellulose, inan amount of about 3% by weight based on the total weight of theformulation. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gelformulation comprising a thickener in an amount of 0.5 to 5% by weight,based on the total weight of the formulation. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation further including at least one ofthe following: an emulsifier, antioxidant, propellant, colour, buffer,preservative, or adhesive. The invention provides a pharmaceuticaltopical gel formulation for use in the treatment of conditions selectedfrom the group consisting of DNA viral infections and RNA viralinfections.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation for usein the prevention and/or treatment of DNA viral infections selected fromviral infections, human papilloma virus infection, latent HPV infection,sub-clinical HPV infection, clinical HPV infection, RNA viralinfections, herpes simplex viral infections, actinic keratosis,Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, human T-lymphotropic virus type I(HTLV-1), EBV, CMV, SV40-like virus, hepatitis virus, humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV), adenovirus, influenza virus, VIN (vulvarintraepithelial neoplasia), CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia),and combinations thereof. The invention provides a pharmaceuticaltopical gel formulation for use in the treatment of actinic keratoses.The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation for usein the topical treatment of warts. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation for use in the reduction orprevention of viral replications by reduction or depletion ofintracellular potassium ions. The invention provides a pharmaceuticaltopical gel formulation for use in the preparation of a medicament foruse in treating a DNA viral infection. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation in which the DNA virus is humanpapilloma virus. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gelformulation for use in the preparation of a medicament for use intopical application to warts. The invention provides a pharmaceuticaltopical gel formulation for use in the preparation of a medicament foruse in reducing or depleting intracellular potassium ions. The inventionprovides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation comprising about0.125% w/w furosemide, about 38.75% w/w ethanol, about 48.44% w/wpropylene glycol, about 3.00% w/w hydroxypropylcellulose, about 9.69%w/w citrate buffer, and q.s. water.

The invention provides a method for treating or preventing a disease orcondition in a patient, wherein the disease or condition is selectedfrom the group consisting of viral infections, human papilloma virusinfection, latent HPV infection, sub-clinical HPV infection, clinicalHPV infection, RNA viral infections, herpes simplex viral infections,actinic keratosis, Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, human T-lymphotropicvirus type I (HTLV-1), EBV, CMV, SV40-like virus, hepatitis virus, humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV), adenovirus, influenza virus, VIN (vulvarintraepithelial neoplasia), CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia),and combinations thereof, wherein said method comprises: selecting apatient in need of treating or preventing said disease or condition;administering to the patient the composition of the invention in atherapeutically effective amount, thereby treating or preventing saiddisease in said patient.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulationcomprising: at least one cardiac glycoside; alkylene glycol in the rangeof about 20-60% w/w; ethanol in the range of about 20-60% w/w; at leastone thickener in the range of about 0.5% to 5% w/w; a buffer whichmaintains the formulation pH at about pH 3 to about pH 8; andoptionally, polyalkylene glycol in the range of about 0-20% w/w; q.s.with water, wherein the concentrations are based on the total weight ofthe formulation, further wherein the topical gel formulation isanti-viral.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation whereinthe topical gel formulation is storage stable at room temperature. Theinvention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein thebuffer is in the range of about 2-15% w/w. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein the topical gelformulation is capable of cutaneous and/or dermal delivery. Theinvention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein thecardiac glycoside comprises one or more of the following: digoxin,digitoxin, methyl digoxin, lanatoside C, proscillaridin, k strophantin,peruvoside and ouabain. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topicalgel formulation wherein the cardiac glycoside is digoxin. The inventionprovides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein said cardiacglycoside is present at range of about 0.01-10 w/w %.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation whereinthe alkylene glycol is propylene glycol. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation, capable of transcutaneousdelivery of said glycoside through the stratum corneum to the basalepidermis. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gelformulation wherein said glycoside is capable of percutaneousabsorption. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gelformulation in combination with an occlusive dressing, coating or otherlayer. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulationwherein the buffer is a buffer system selected from the group consistingof citric acid and sodium citrate; citric acid and potassium citrate;phosphoric acid and sodium phosphate; phosphoric acid and potassiumphosphate; amino acid bases and their acids; arginine and arginine HCl;lysine and lysine HCl; tartaric acid and sodium tartrate; tartaric acidand potassium tartrate; adipic acid and sodium adipate; adipic acid andpotassium adipate; malic acid and sodium malate; malic acid andpotassium malate; sodium phosphate monobasic and sodium phosphatedibasic; and combinations thereof. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein the buffer is a bufferingagent selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, potassiumhydroxide, and combinations thereof. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein the buffer is citratebuffer. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulationwherein the buffer is citric acid and sodium citrate. The inventionprovides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation further comprising atleast one excipient which is skin-tolerant and/or keratolytic. Theinvention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation, in whichthe gel carrier medium comprises a cosolvent mix. The invention providesa pharmaceutical topical gel formulation in which the pH is less than 7.The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation in whichthe pH is about 6.3 to about 6.8. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation in which the thickener comprisesone or more of the following: Carbomers, cellulose derivatives, orhydroxyalkylcellulose. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topicalgel formulation wherein the thickener comprises hydroxypropylcellulose,in an amount of about 1 to 5% by weight based on the total weight of theformulation. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gelformulation wherein the thickener comprises hydroxypropylcellulose, inan amount of about 3% by weight based on the total weight of theformulation. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gelformulation comprising a thickener in an amount of 0.5 to 5% by weight,based on the total weight of the formulation.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation furtherincluding at least one of the following: an emulsifier, antioxidant,propellant, colour, buffer, preservative, or adhesive. The inventionprovides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation for use in thetreatment of conditions selected from the group consisting of DNA viralinfections and RNA viral infections. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation for use in the prevention and/ortreatment of DNA viral infections selected from viral infections, humanpapilloma virus infection, latent HPV infection, sub-clinical HPVinfection, clinical HPV infection, RNA viral infections, herpes simplexviral infections, actinic keratosis, Epidermodysplasia verruciformis,human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1), EBV, CMV, SV40-like virus,hepatitis virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), adenovirus,influenza virus, VIN (vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia), CIN (cervicalintraepithelial neoplasia), and combinations thereof. The inventionprovides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation for use in thetreatment of actinic keratoses. The invention provides a pharmaceuticaltopical gel formulation for use in the topical treatment of warts. Theinvention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation for use inthe reduction or prevention of viral replications by reduction ordepletion of intracellular potassium ions. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation for use in the preparation of amedicament for use in treating a DNA viral infection. The inventionprovides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation in which the DNA virusis human papilloma virus. The invention provides a pharmaceuticaltopical gel formulation for use in the preparation of a medicament foruse in topical application to warts. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation, for use in the preparation of amedicament for use in reducing or depleting intracellular potassiumions. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulationcomprising about 0.125% w/w digoxin, about 38.75% w/w ethanol, about48.44% w/w propylene glycol, about 3.00% w/w hydroxypropylcellulose,about 9.69% w/w citrate buffer, and q.s. water.

The invention provides a method for treating or preventing a disease orcondition in a patient, wherein the disease or condition is selectedfrom the group consisting of viral infections, human papilloma virusinfection, latent HPV infection, sub-clinical HPV infection, clinicalHPV infection, RNA viral infections, herpes simplex viral infections,actinic keratosis, Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, human T-lymphotropicvirus type I (HTLV-1), EBV, CMV, SV40-like virus, hepatitis virus, humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV), adenovirus, influenza virus, VIN (vulvarintraepithelial neoplasia), CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia),and combinations thereof, wherein said method comprises: selecting apatient in need of treating or preventing said disease or condition;administering to the patient the composition of the invention in atherapeutically effective amount, thereby treating or preventing saiddisease in said patient.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulationcomprising: at least one diuretic; at least one cardiac glycoside;alkylene glycol in the range of about 20-60% w/w; ethanol in the rangeof about 20-60% w/w; at least one thickener in the range of about 0.5%to 5% w/w; a buffer which maintains the formulation pH at about pH 3 toabout pH 8; and optionally, polyalkylene glycol in the range of about0-20% w/w; q.s. with water, wherein the concentrations are based on thetotal weight of the formulation further wherein the topical gelformulation is anti-viral.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation whereinthe topical gel formulation is stable at room temperature. The inventionprovides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein the buffer isin the range of about 2-15% w/w.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation whereinthe topical gel formulation is capable of cutaneous and/or dermaldelivery. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gelformulation wherein the cardiac glycoside is digoxin. The inventionprovides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein the diureticis selected from the group consisting of furosemide, bumetanide,ethacrynic acid, torsemide, muzolimide, azosemide, piretanide,tripamide, chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthandone,indapamide, metozalone, cyclopenthiazide, xipamide, mefruside,dorzolamide, acetazolamide, methazolamide, ethoxzolamide, cyclothiazide,clopamide, dichlorphenamide, hydroflumethiazide, trichlormethiazide,polythiazide, benzothiazide, and combinations thereof. The inventionprovides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein at least oneloop diuretic is present in combination with at least one cardiacglycoside. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gelformulation wherein the cardiac glycoside comprises one or more of thefollowing: digoxin, digitoxin, methyl digoxin, lanatoside C,proscillaridin, k strophantin, peruvoside and ouabain. The inventionprovides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein said diureticis present at range of about 0.01-10 w/w %. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein said cardiac glycoside ispresent at range of about 0.01-10 w/w %. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein a molar ratio of cardiacglycoside: loop diuretic is in the range of about 0.5 to 2.5: 20 to 0.5.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation whereinthe buffer is a buffer system selected from the group consisting ofcitric acid and sodium citrate; citric acid and potassium citrate;phosphoric acid and sodium phosphate; phosphoric acid and potassiumphosphate; amino acid bases and their acids; arginine and arginine HCl;lysine and lysine HCl; tartaric acid and sodium tartrate; tartaric acidand potassium tartrate; adipic acid and sodium adipate; adipic acid andpotassium adipate; malic acid and sodium malate, malic acid andpotassium malate; sodium phosphate monobasic and sodium phosphatedibasic; and combinations thereof. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein the buffer is a bufferingagent selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, potassiumhydroxide, and combinations thereof. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation wherein the buffer is citratebuffer. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulationwherein the pH is less than 7. The invention provides a pharmaceuticaltopical gel formulation in which the pH is about 6.5 to about 6.8. Theinvention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation in which thepH is about 5.5.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation in whichthe thickener comprises one or more of the following: Carbomers,cellulose derivatives, hydroxyalkylcelluloses, orhydroxypropylcellulose. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topicalgel formulation wherein the thickener comprises hydroxypropylcellulose,in an amount of about 1 to about 5% by weight based on the total weightof the formulation. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gelformulation wherein the thickener comprises hydroxypropylcellulose, inan amount of about 3% by weight based on the total weight of theformulation. The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gelformulation further comprising at least one excipient which isskin-tolerant and/or keratolytic. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation comprising about 0.125% w/wdigoxin, about 0.125% w/w furosemide, about 38.70%w/w ethanol, about48.38% w/w propylene glycol, about 3.00% w/w hydroxypropylcellulose,about 9.68% w/w citrate buffer, and q.s. water. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation for use in the prevention and/ortreatment of conditions selected from the group consisting of viralinfections, human papilloma virus infection, latent HPV infection,sub-clinical HPV infection, clinical HPV infection, RNA viralinfections, herpes simplex viral infections, actinic keratosis,Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, human T-lymphotropic virus type I(HTLV-1), EBV, CMV, SV40-like virus, hepatitis virus, humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV), adenovirus, influenza virus, VIN (vulvarintraepithelial neoplasia), CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia),and combinations thereof. The invention provides a pharmaceuticaltopical gel formulation for use in the topical treatment of warts. Theinvention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation for use inthe reduction or prevention of viral replications by reduction ordepletion of intracellular potassium ions.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation for usein the preparation of a medicament for use in treating a DNA virus. Theinvention provides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation in which theDNA virus is human papilloma virus. The invention provides apharmaceutical topical gel formulation for use in the preparation of amedicament for use in topical application to warts. The inventionprovides a pharmaceutical topical gel formulation for use in thepreparation of a medicament for use in reducing or depletingintracellular potassium ions.

A method for treating or preventing a disease or condition in a patient,wherein the disease or condition is selected from the group consistingof viral infections, human papilloma virus infection, latent HPVinfection, sub-clinical HPV infection, clinical HPV infection, RNA viralinfections, herpes simplex viral infections, actinic keratosis,Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, human T-lymphotropic virus type I(HTLV-1), EBV, CMV, SV40-like virus, hepatitis virus, humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV), adenovirus, influenza virus, VIN (vulvarintraepithelial neoplasia), CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia),and combinations thereof, wherein said method comprises: selecting apatient in need of treating or preventing said disease or condition;administering to the patient the composition of the invention in atherapeutically effective amount, thereby treating or preventing saiddisease in said patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in conjunction with the followingdrawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements andwherein:

FIG. 1 shows the In-vitro anti-viral activity of Ionic Contra-ViralTherapy; Summary of in vitro efficacy against HPV18 in Hela cellculture; % Reduction in HPV DNA. Single and combined drug 48 hourtreatment experiment.

FIG. 2 shows the In-vitro anti-viral activity of Ionic Contra-ViralTherapy; Summary of in vitro efficacy against HPV18 in Hela cellculture; % Reduction in Relative Quantification. Single and combineddrug 48 hour treatment experiment.

FIG. 3 shows the Pharmacodynamics of All Treated Warts ITT least squaresmeans (LSM) Diameter.

FIG. 4 shows the Pharmacodynamics of All Treated Warts ITT least squaresmeans (LSM) Diameter (3D).

FIG. 5 shows the least squares means (LSM) change from baseline graph ofany HPV in swabs from primary warts (% change) with 95% CI as errorbars.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to the use of, for example, a topicalformulation, for treating or preventing viral infections.

As used herein, the term “effective amount” refers to the amount of atherapy that is sufficient to result in the prevention of thedevelopment, recurrence, or onset of a disease or condition, such asneoplasia or infection, and one or more symptoms thereof, to enhance orimprove the prophylactic effect(s) of another therapy, reduce theseverity, the duration of a disease or condition, such as neoplasia orinfection, ameliorate one or more symptoms of a disease or conditionsuch as warts or HPV infection, prevent the advancement or recurrence ofa disease or condition, such as warts or HPV infection, cause regressionof a disease or condition, such as warts or HPV infection, and/orenhance or improve the therapeutic effect(s) of another therapy.

By “pharmaceutically acceptable,” such as in the recitation of a“pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,” or a “pharmaceutically acceptablederivative,” is meant a compound that is not biologically or otherwiseundesirable, i.e., the compound may be incorporated into a topicalformulation of the invention and administered to a patient withoutcausing any undesirable biological effects or interacting in adeleterious manner with any of the other components of the formulationin which it is contained. A “pharmacologically active” compound refersto an active agent as defined above, or to an analog or derivativethereof having the same type of pharmacological activity as the parentcompound. As used herein, the phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” meansapproved by a regulatory agency of the federal or a state government, orlisted in the U.S. Pharmacopeia, European Pharmacopeia, or othergenerally recognized pharmacopeia for use in animals, and moreparticularly, in humans.

As used herein, the terms “prevent,” “preventing” and “prevention” inthe context of the administration of a therapy to a subject refer to theprevention or inhibition of the recurrence, onset, and/or development ofa disease or condition, such as warts or HPV infection, or a symptomthereof in a subject resulting from the administration of a therapy(e.g., a prophylactic or therapeutic agent), or a combination oftherapies (e.g., a combination of prophylactic or therapeutic agents).

As used herein, the terms “subject” and “patient” are usedinterchangeably. As used herein, the term “patient” refers to an animal,preferably a mammal such as a non-primate (e.g., cows, pigs, horses,cats, dogs, rats, etc.) and a primate (e.g., monkey and human), and mostpreferably a human. In some embodiments, the subject is a non-humananimal such as a farm animal (e.g., a horse, pig, or cow) or a pet(e.g., a dog or cat). In a specific embodiment, the subject is anelderly human. In another embodiment, the subject is a human adult. Inanother embodiment, the subject is a human child. In yet anotherembodiment, the subject is a human infant.

As used herein, the terms “therapies” and “therapy” can refer to anymethod(s), composition(s), and/or agent(s) that can be used in theprevention, treatment and/or management of a disease or condition, suchas neoplasia or infection, or one or more symptoms thereof.

As used herein, the terms “treat,” “treatment,” and “treating” in thecontext of the administration of a therapy to a subject refer to thereduction or inhibition of the progression and/or duration of a diseaseor condition, such as warts or HPV infection, the reduction oramelioration of the severity of a disease or condition, such asneoplasia or infection, and/or the amelioration of one or more symptomsthereof resulting from the administration of one or more therapies. Theterms “treating” and “treatment” as used herein refer to actions thatreduce the severity and/or frequency of symptoms, eliminate symptomsand/or their underlying cause, prevent the occurrence of symptoms and/ortheir underlying cause, and improve or remediate damage. The presentmethod of “treating” a patient, as the term is used herein, thusencompasses both prevention of warts in a predisposed individual andtreatment of warts in a clinically symptomatic individual.

The term “topical administration” is used in its conventional sense tomean delivery of a topical drug or pharmacologically active agent to theskin or mucosal tissue, as in, for example, the treatment of warts.

As used herein the term “papillomavirus disease” refers to any kind ofinfection or disorder caused by the virus, including cancers and warts.Thus, the term includes symptoms and side effect of any papillomavirusinfection, including latent, persistent and sub-clinical infections,whether or not the infection is clinically apparent.

As used herein, the term “about,” when referring to a value or to anamount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration or percentage ismeant to encompass variations of in some embodiments ±20%, in someembodiments ±10%, in some embodiments ±5%, in some embodiments ±1%, insome embodiments ±0.5%, and in some embodiments ±0.1% from the specifiedamount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosedmethod.

As used herein, ranges can be expressed as from “about” one particularvalue, and/or to “about” another particular value. It is also understoodthat there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each valueis also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition tothe value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then“about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unitbetween two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

As referred to herein the term “storage stable” and/or “storagestability” means stable for greater than 18 months at room temperature,wherein stable is defined as maintaining ≧90% of the targeted activeconcentration. Stable may also refer to a degradation profile limited tolow levels (<5% degradation) and no toxic degradants.

Human Papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) refers to a group of DNA tumor viruses thatcan induce neoplastic proliferation of human epithelial cells. There arecurrently over 130 documented strains of HPV and many more are beingidentified. The current classification system, which is based onsimilarities in genomic sequences, generally correlates with the 3clinical categories applied to HPV: anogenital or mucosal, nongenitalcutaneous, and epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV). Mucosal HPVinfections are further classified as latent (asymptomatic), subclinical,and clinical.

Clinical lesions are grossly apparent, whereas latent infections aredetected only with tests for viral DNA. Subclinical lesions areidentified by application of 3-5% acetic acid and inspection undermagnification. Most HPV infections are latent; clinically apparentinfections usually result in warts rather than malignancies. However,infections due to HPV are common and lead to a wide variety of clinicalmanifestations; certain types of HVP (6, 11, 16, and 18) can placepatients at a high risk for anogenital cancer. HPVs 5, 8, 15, 20, 24,and 26 are associated with actinic keratosis and development of squamouscell carcinoma. HPVs 16 and 18 are classified as high risk for cervicalcancer. The HPV genotypes associated with various diseases are presentedin the following tables (sourceemedicine.medscape.com/article/219110-overview).

Nongenital Cutaneous Disease HPV Type Common warts (verrucae vulgaris)1, 2, 4, 26, 27, 29, 41, 57, 65, 75-78 Plantar warts (myrmecias) 1, 2,4, 60, 63 Flat warts (verrucae planae) 3, 10, 27, 28, 38, 41, 49Butcher's warts (common warts of people 1-4, 7, 10, 28 who handle meat,poultry, and fish) Mosaic warts 2, 27, 57 Ungual squamous cell carcinoma16 Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (benign) 2, 3, 10, 12, 15,19, 36, 46,47, 50 Epidermodysplasia verruciformis 5, 8-10, 14, 17, 20-25, 37,(malignant or benign) 38 Nonwarty skin lesions 37, 38

Nongenital Mucosal Disease HPV Type Respiratory papillomatosis 6, 11Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung 6, 11, 16, 18 Laryngeal papilloma(recurrent 2, 6, 11, 16, 30, 40, 57 respiratory papillomatosis)Laryngeal carcinoma 6, 11 Maxillary sinus papilloma 57 Squamous cellcarcinoma of the sinuses 16, 18 Conjunctival papillomas 6, 11Conjunctival carcinoma 16 Oral focal epithelial hyperplasia (Heck 13, 32disease) Oral carcinoma 16, 18 Oral leukoplakia 16, 18 Squamous cellcarcinoma of the 16, 18 esophagus

Anogenital Disease HPV Type Condylomata acuminata 1-6, 10, 11, 16, 18,30, 31, 33, 35, 39-45, 51-59, 70, 83 Bowenoid papulosis 16, 18, 34, 39,40, 42, 45 Bowen disease 16, 18, 31, 34 Giant condylomata (Buschke- 6,11, 57, 72, 73 Löwenstein tumors) Unspecified intraepithelial 30, 34,39, 40, 53, 57, 59, 61, 62, 64, 66-69 neoplasia Low-grade squamousintraepithelial 6, 11, 16, 18, 26, 27, 30, 31, 33-35, 40, 42-45, lesions(LGSIL) 51-58, 61, 62, 67-69, 71-74, 79, 81-84 High-grade squamousintraepithelial 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 42, 44, 45, 51, 52,lesions (HGSIL) 56, 58, 61, 64, 66, 68, 82 Carcinoma of vulva 6, 11, 16,18 Carcinoma of vagina 16 Carcinoma of cervix 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39,45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 70, 73, 82 Carcinoma of anus 16, 31, 32,33 Carcinoma of in situ of penis 16 erythroplasia of Queyrat) Carcinomaof 16, 18HPV is spread via skin or fomite surface contact. Infection via theenvironment is more likely to occur if the skin is macerated and incontact with roughened surfaces—conditions which are common in swimmingpools and communal washing areas (Sterling, 2001). There are very fewprecise epidemiological data on viral warts. Most prevalence surveyshave tended to use selected subsets of the population such asdermatology outpatients or school children. In the general population,viral warts are uncommon in infancy, increasingly common in childhood(reaching a peak in the teenage years) and sharply declining inprevalence thereafter (Gibbs, 2009).

Human Papillomavirus and Cutaneous Warts

Cutaneous wart diagnosis is generally based on clinical examination, butcan be suggested by histological appearances of epidermis withpapillomatosis, hyperkaratosis, and parakeratosis. Dermal capillaryvessels may be prominent and thrombosed. There may be largekeratinocytes with eccentric pyknotic nuclei surrounded by a perinuclearhalo. HPV-infected cells can have small eosinophilic granules anddiffuse clumps of basophilic keratohyline granules—these are not HPVparticles. Plantar warts must be distinguished from callosities andcorns. Flat warts have less acanthosis and hyperkeratosis and do nothave parakeratosis or papillomatosis.

A published report in March 2012 examined the prevalence of cutaneouswart-associated HPV types and their relation with patientcharacteristics. Samples were taken from 250 patients, age range 4 to 50years that had one or more new cutaneous warts. HPV 27, 57, 2 and 1 werethe most prevalent types; in only 14% of warts were other HPV typesdetected. In 74% of patients with multiple warts, one HPV type wasshared in all warts of that patient. It is suggested that a co-infectionof single cells with multiple HPV types could be responsible for thedevelopment of some warts with multiple types. If specific HPVinfections prove to be associated with clearance or response to specifictreatment, HPV genotyping or HPV type assessment based on clinicalprofiles may become relevant for daily practice (Bruggink, 2012).

Diseases which may be prevented and/or treated by the processes andcompositions of this invention are those caused by the etiologicalagent, papillomavirus, and may be the result of clinical or sub-clinicalPV infections. Such diseases include, for example, epithelialmalignancies, anogenital malignancies, such as cervical cancer,malignant lesions, benign lesions, papillomacarcinomas,papilloadenocystomas, papilloma neurophathicum, papillomatosis,cutaneous and mucosal papillomas, condylomas, oral, pharyngeal,laryngeal, and tongue papillomas, fibroblastic tumors and otherpathological conditions associated with papillomavirus. The compositionof this invention may also be used to treat epithelial and internalfibropapillomas in animals.

In addition, as described above, a wide variety of warts are found onhuman skin and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Forexample, the following types of warts are found on human skin and arecaused by the human papillomavirus (HPV): common warts (verrucavulgaris), plantar warts, palmar warts, planar warts (verruca plana),mosaic warts, and venereal warts (condyloma accuminatum). These skingrowths are unsightly, irritating, and potentially oncogenic(carcinogenic), and their removal is desired.

Genital warts, also referred to as venereal warts and condylomataacuminata, are one of the most serious manifestations of HPV infection.As reported by the Center for Disease Control, the sexual mode oftransmission of genital warts is well established and the incidence ofgenital warts is on the increase. The seriousness of genital warts isunderlined by the finding that HPV DNA can be found in all grades ofcervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN I III) and that a specificsubset of HPV types can be found in carcinoma in situ of the cervix. Inaddition, VIN (vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia) is associated with HPVand is considered a pre-cancerous condition. Consequently, women withgenital warts, containing specific HPV types are now considered at highrisk for the development of cervical cancer. Current treatments forgenital warts are inadequate. According to the present invention, amethod of treating a patient having one or more genital warts comprisesthe administration of a pharmaceutical of the invention so as to inhibitgrowth of the wart. In preferred embodiments, the wart(s), or otherPV-containing cells, are contacted directly with the pharmaceuticalcomposition. The subject method can be used to treat, e.g., condylomaacuminata and/or flat cervical warts.

Laryngeal papillomas are benign epithelial tumors of the larynx. Two PVtypes, HPV-6 and HPV-11, are most commonly associated with laryngealpapillomas. According to the method of the present invention, laryngealpapillomas are treated administrating a pharmaceutical composition ofthe invention, so as to inhibit growth of the papillomas.

The most common disease associated with papillomavirus infection arebenign skin warts. Common warts generally contain HPV types 1, 2, 3, 4or 10. These warts typically occur on the soles of feet, plantar warts,or on the hands. Common skin warts are most often found in children andyoung adults. Later in life the incidence of common warts decreasespresumably due to immunologic and physiologic changes. Plantar warts canoften be debilitating and require surgical removal and they frequentlyreoccur after surgery. As above, patients suffering from common wartscan be treated by the administration of a effective amount of an E2peptidomimetic according to the present invention, or a gene therapyconstruct which encodes the therapeutic E2 peptide. In preferredembodiments, the peptide or gene construct are applied, in theappropriate formulations, directly to the area of the skin afflictedwith the wart(s). Similar methods and compositions may be useful in thetreatment if epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), a rare geneticallytransmitted disease which is characterized by disseminated flat wartsthat appear as small reddish macules.

In addition, the subject method and compositions may be used to treatlesions resulting from cellular transformation for which HPV is aetiological agent, e.g., in the treatment of cervical cancer.

In some cases, HPV may cause epidermodysplasia verruciformis inimmunocompromised individuals. There is currently no specific treatmentfor HPV infection.

Other DNA Viruses

In one aspect, the method of the present invention can be used to treatviral infection in an individual caused by human papillomavirus (HPV),human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1), herpes virus (e.g., EBV orCMV), SV40-like virus, hepatitis virus, human immunodeficiency virus(HIV), adenovirus, or influenza virus. The present method can also beused to treat infections caused by other viruses that are responsive totreatment by artemisinin or artemisinin derivatives, such as DNA virusesand RNA viruses. Such viruses may or may not cause cancer.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a double stranded DNA virus and can enterinto target organisms through the mouth, respiratory passage, genitaltract mucosa, damaged skin and many other channels. It is a quite commoninfection among humans and the infection rate is as high as 80-90%.Typical symptoms include clusters of blisters on certain parts of themucosa and skin, while occasionally serious systemic disease may occurand do harm to the internal organs. Previous researches indicated thatHSV-1 and HSV-2 might separately be related to lip cancer, vulva cancerand cervix cancer and lots of attentions have been drawn to them (Sunhe,China practical gynaecology and obstetrics journal, 2001, 17(7):407-409). Presently, drugs for treating HSV infection includeidoxuridine, cytosine arabino side, vidarabine, bromovinyl, uridine,acyclovir and so on. But the treatment time of these drugs are quitelong, about 5-7 days.

Another example of a viral-induced skin lesion are the lesions caused byMolluscum contagiosum (MC). MC virus is a member of the poxvirus group.It is a large double stranded DNA virus that replicates in the cytoplasmof infected cells. Skin lesions caused by MC have an incidence ofapproximately 1/200 children by the age of 10 in the United States.While the disease may be epidemic in children, it occurs in people ofall ages and is worldwide in distribution. In adults, the infection maybe spread by sexual contact. Skin lesions caused by MC are characterizedby the appearance on the body surface of small, discreet, lobulatedepidermal outgrowths or lesions that occur throughout the body. Theselesions, which are the result of excessive cellular proliferationstimulated in the keratinocyte layer by virus that has entered throughthe skin, are discrete pearly white or flesh colored papules that maypersist for up to three years. The lesions may have a central pore,which contains within its center dead skin cells and numerous virusparticles.

Infections caused by MC commonly last for 9-18 months but the conditioncan, in certain cases, persist for as long as 3-4 years. During thistime, new crops of lesions appear, each lesion growing slowly for 6-12weeks and persisting for an average of 3-4 months.

At present, there is no drug treatment for MC; the virus is resistant tothe commonly used anti-viral agents which are effective in treatingother viral infections and the disease is treated only by surgicalremoval of the lesions, e.g., cryotherapy, or tissue destruction bychemical or physical means. This can be painful and distressing,particularly for children, and does not prevent the reappearance offresh lesions.

Cardiac Glycosides

The compositions described herein typically comprise at least onecardiac glycoside. The cardiac glycoside compositions may comprise othercompounds as well. For example, the cardiac glycoside may comprise amixture of cardiac glycosides, a mixture of a cardiac glycoside and oneor more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, or a mixture of acardiac glycoside with other compounds having useful or desirableproperties. In an exemplary embodiment, the composition of the inventionmay comprise at least one cardiac glycoside and at least one diuretic.In a further exemplary embodiment, the cardiac glycoside composition ofthe invention may comprise a cardiac glycoside as the only active agent.In an exemplary embodiment, the cardiac glycoside is digoxin. In anexemplary embodiment, the composition of the invention may comprise atleast one cardiac glycoside and at least one other active agent.

Digoxin, also known as digitalis, is a purified cardiac glycosideextracted from the foxglove plant, Digitalis lanata. The systematic namefor this compound is(3β,5β,12β)-3-[(O-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1→4)-2,6dideoxy-B D-ribo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-12,14-dihydroxycard-20(22)-enolide,CAS No. 20830-75-5

Molecular Formula: C₄₁H₆₄O₁₄, Molecular Weight: 780.94 Description:white or almost white powder or colorless crystals (PhEur) OpticalRotation: [α]D 20+13.9°to+15.9° (in methylene chloride/methanol) [α]D20+10.0° to+13.0° (in pyridine), Melting range: 230-265 ° C. (underdecomposition), Hygroscopicity: is not hygroscopic. Solubility: solublein methylene chloride/methanol (1:1); practically insoluble in water;slightly soluble in ethanol (95) and freely soluble in pyridine. Digoxinpreparations are commonly marketed under the trade names: Lanoxin,Digitek, and Lanoxicaps.

Digitoxin is a cardiac glycoside which is the corresponding aglycone ofdigoxin. Thus, it has the systematic name:(3β,5β)-3-[(O-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexapyranosyl-(1→4)-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-14-hydroxycard-20(22)-enolide.Methyl digoxin is a cardiac glycoside related to digoxin and digitoxinwith the systematic name:(3β,5β,12β)-3-{[2,6-dideoxy-4-O-methyl-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1→4)-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1→4)-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl]oxy}-12,14-dihydroxycard-20(22)-enolide.Lanatoside C is a cardiac glycoside with the systematic name:[(3β,5β,12β)-3-{[(β-D-Glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-3-O-acetyl-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1→4)-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1→4)-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl]oxy}-12,14-dihydroxycard-20(22)-enolide[0058] Proscillaridin is a bufanolide cardiac glycoside obtainable fromplants of the genus Scilla. The systematic name of this compound is:3β-Rhamnosido-14β-hydroxybufa 4, 20, 22 trienolide. K-strophanthinrefers to a cardiac glycoside or mixture of glycosides obtained from atropical plant (Strophanthus kombe) of the dogbane family. Peruvosiderefers to a cardiac glycoside with the systematic name:(3β,5β)-3-[(6-Deoxy-3-O-methyl-α-L-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-14-hydroxy-19-oxocard-20(22)-enolideOuabain, also known as g-strophanthin, is a cardiac glycoside found inthe ripe seeds of the African plants Strophanthus gratus and Acokantheraouabaio. The systematic name of this compound is:1β,3β,5β,11α,14,19-Hexahydroxycard-20(22)-enolide3-(6-deoxy-α-L-mannopyranoside). Other embodiments of cardiac glycosidesinclude oleander and extracts and isolates thereof.

The term “cardiac glycoside” refers to a class of pharmacological agentsincluding those that have been used to treat congestive heart failureand heart arrhythmias by inhibiting the Na+/K+0 pump in cells.Inhibition of the Na+/K⁺ pump by cardiac glycosides leads to increasedNa⁺ levels, which in turn slows down the extrusion of Ca⁺² via theNa⁺/Ca⁺² exchange pump. Many cardiac glycosides are natural productswhich share a common molecular motif comprising a steroid nucleuscontaining an unsaturated lactone ring at the C₁₇ position and one ormore glycosidic residues at C₃. Examples of cardiac glycosides include,but are not limited to, ouabain, oleandrin, g/k/e-strophanthin, digoxin,digitoxin, proscillaridine A, which are plant derived, and bufalin,marinobufagenin and bufadienolides, which are derived from frog poisons.Cardiac glycosides comprise two structural features, a sugar (glycoside)and a non-sugar (aglycone) steroid moiety.

In exemplary embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of theinvention may comprise about 0.125%, about 0.250%, about 0.50%, about0.75%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10% w/w of the cardiac glycoside. Inexemplary embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the inventionmay comprise about 0.125% to about 10%, about 0.125% to about 5%, orabout 0.125% to about 3% w/w of the cardiac glycoside.

Diuretic Compounds

The compositions described herein typically comprise at least onediuretic compound. The diuretic compositions may comprise othercompounds as well. For example, the diuretic composition may comprise amixture of diuretic compounds, a mixture of a diuretic compound and apharmaceutically acceptable excipient, or a mixture of a diureticcompound with other compounds having useful or desirable properties. Inan exemplary embodiment, the composition of the invention may compriseat least one cardiac glycoside and at least one diuretic. In a furtherexemplary embodiment, the diuretic composition may comprise a purediuretic compound as the only active agent. In an exemplary embodiment,the composition of the invention may comprise at least one cardiacglycoside and at least one other active agent. In an exemplaryembodiment, the diuretic is furosemide:4-Chloro-2-[(furan-2-ylmethyl)amino]-5-sulphamoylbenzoic acid (Ph. Eur.)Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number CAS 54-31-9:

Furosemide occurs as a white or almost white crystalline powder. It ispractically insoluble in water; sparingly soluble in ethanol (96%);soluble in acetone and dilute alkali solutions. Furosemide has a meltingpoint of approximately 210° C. with decomposition. Furosemide is knownto have several polymorphic forms. They can be differentiated by meansof X-ray diffraction patterns. The applied manufacturing process leadsto the (commercial) polymorphic form I, which is the thermodynamicallystable modification. Furosemide has no chiral center. The pKa value forFurosemide was found to be 3.9.

In addition, any suitable diuretic compound may be used. Classes ofdiuretics suitable for use with the described methods and formulationsinclude the carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, osmotic diuretics, loopdiuretics, thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics, potassium sparingdiuretics, and aldosterone antagonists. Exemplary diuretic compoundswithin these classes include bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide,muzolimine, spironolactone, torsemide, triamterene, tripamide, BG 9928(Bicyclo[2,2,2]octane-1-propanoic acid,4-(2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-1H-purin-8yl)-(9CI)), andBG 9719 (1H-Purine-2,6-dione,3,7-dihydro-8-(3-oxatricyclo[3,2,1,02,4]oct-6-yl)-1,3-dipropyl-[1S-(1α,2β,4β,5α,6β)],and pharmaceutically acceptable analogs and equivalents thereof. Inother specific embodiments, the diuretic is selected from the groupconsisting of high-ceiling diuretics, furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynicacid, torsemide, muzolimide, azosemide, piretanide, tripamide,chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthandone, indapamide,metozalone, cyclopenthiazide, xipamide, mefruside, dorzolamide,acetazolamide, methazolamide, ethoxzolamide, cyclothiazide, clopamide,dichlorphenamide, hydroflumethiazide, trichlormethiazide, polythiazideand benzothiazide.

In exemplary embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of theinvention may comprise about 0.01%, about 0.125%, about 0.250%, about0.50%, about 0.75%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%,about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10% w/w of thediuretic. In exemplary embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition ofthe invention may comprise about 0.01% to about 10%, about 0.125% toabout 10%, about 0.125% to about 5%, or about 0.125% to about 3% w/w ofthe diuretic.

Buffering Agents

The normal pH of the skin is between about 4 and about 6.5, though itvaries in people of different skin types. The compositions of theinvention, therefore, in certain embodiments, may be formulated in sucha manner so as to reduce the effects that the actual application of thecomposition has on the pH barrier of the skin and/or may be formulatedin a manner so as to increase the penetration of the active agent.Accordingly, in certain embodiments the typical pH ranges for thecompositions of the invention include a pH of about 3 to about 8, ofabout 4 to about 7, and more typically about 4.5 to about 6.5 or about5.5. The desired pH ranges of the compositions of the invention can beobtained in accordance with practices well known in the art, forinstance, by the inclusion of various buffering agents, which should beincluded in an amount and concentration to optimize the flux of theactive agent through the skin surface and into the dermal layer of skin,while minimizing any possibility of skin irritation due to a change inthe pH of the skin.

A conventional buffering agent such as a mixture of citric acid andtrisodium citrate, may be added to stabilize the desired pH. Otherbuffering agents include, but are not limited to, sodium phosphate,monosodium dihydrogen phosphate, and disodium monohydrogen phosphate.

A citrate buffer for use in the present invention may be generated bydissolution of free citric acid or preferably a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of citrate, preferably a sodium salt. In preferredembodiments of the present invention citrate buffer is present in theformulation at 7.5 mmol/l to 15 mmol/l and most preferably at 10 mmol/l.Any pharmaceutically acceptable citrate buffer may be used in thepresent invention but the citrate buffer is preferably sodium citrate.It is more preferable that sodium citrate dihydrate is used and mostpreferable that the citrate buffer be generated from a mixture of sodiumcitrate dihydrate and citric acid monohydrate. In the preferredembodiments of the present invention, the formulation contains about 2mg/ml sodium citrate dihydrate and about 0.6 mg/ml citric acidmonohydrate.

A citrate buffer for use in the present invention may be generated bydissolution of free citric acid or preferably a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of citrate, preferably a sodium salt.

A formulation of the present invention may be generated by adding anamount of citrate buffer necessary to obtain a pH of the solution in therange 5.3 to 7.2. The citrate buffer is preferably present at 5mmol/l to20mmol/l.

The desired pH range is from about pH 4.0 to pH 5.5. These bufferingsystems can be comprised of a weak acid and the salt of a weak acidand/or a mixture of two acid salts. Suitable buffering systems include,for example, citric acid and sodium citrate; citric acid and potassiumcitrate; phosphoric acid and sodium phosphate; phosphoric acid andpotassium phosphate; amino acid bases and their acids; arginine andarginine HCl; lysine and lysine HCl; tartaric acid and sodium tartrate;tartaric acid and potassium tartrate; adipic acid and sodium adipate;adipic acid and potassium adipate; malic acid and sodium malate, malicacid and potassium malate; sodium phosphate monobasic and sodiumphosphate dibasic; and combinations thereof; and the like. The bufferingsystem should be present in an amount of from about 0.05 to 2.0%,preferably from about 0.05 to 1.0% by weight of the total composition.

The citrate buffered formulation of the invention may include an amountof citrate effective to provide a pharmaceutically acceptable pH, e.g.,to provide a pH environment of between 5 and 7, preferably between about5.3, and 6.2. In order to provide a pharmaceutically acceptable amountof citrate buffer effective to achieve the desired pH, suitable amountsof sodium citrate and citric acid can be used.

Suitable buffer systems of use in the present invention include, by wayof example only, tartaric, fumaric, maleic, phosphoric, and acetic acidsand salts. Preferred buffering systems include citric acid andphosphoric acid buffer systems. The citric acid buffer system preferablycontains sodium citrate dihydrate USP in combination with citric acidanhydrous USP, available from Haarman & Reimer. Preferably there isabout 5.1 to about 5.4 grams/liter of sodium citrate dihydrate, mostpreferably 5.27 grams/liter of sodium citrate dihydrate, and about 2.05to about 2.25 grams/liter of citric acid anhydrous, preferably about2.15 grams/liter of citric acid anhydrous. Buffering agents can also beadded to the formulation to control pH.

Examples of buffering agents can be any one or more of the followingagents, and is not limited to, acetic acid, ammonium carbonate, ammoniumphosphate, boric acid, citric acid, glycine, lactic acid, phosphoricacid, potassium citrate, potassium metaphosphate, potassium phosphatemonobasic, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium hydroxide, sodiumlactate solution, dibasic sodium phosphate, monobasic sodium phosphate,TRIS and sodium carbonate, 2-Amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol,2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, L-(+)-Tartaric acid, ACES, ADA, Aceticacid, Ammonium acetate solution, Ammonium bicarbonate, Ammonium citratedibasic, Ammonium formate, Ammonium oxalate monohydrate, Ammoniumphosphate dibasic, Ammonium phosphate monobasic, Ammonium sodiumphosphate dibasic tetrahydrate, Ammonium sulfate solution, Ammoniumtartrate dibasic, BES buffered saline, BES, BICINE, BIS-TRIS,Bicarbonate buffer solution, Boric acid, CAPS, CHES, Calcium acetatehydrate, Calcium carbonate, Calcium citrate tribasic tetrahydrate,Citrate Concentrated Solution, Citric acid, hydrous, Diethanolamine,EPPS, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt dihydrate, Formicacid solution, Gly-Gly-Gly, Gly-Gly, Glycine, HEPES, Imidazole,Lipoprotein Refolding Buffer, Lithium acetate dihydrate, Lithium citratetribasic tetrahydrate, MES hydrate, MES monohydrate, MES solution, MOPS,Magnesium acetate solution, Magnesium acetate tetrahydrate, Magnesiumcitrate tribasic nonahydrate, Magnesium formate solution, Magnesiumphosphate dibasic trihydrate, Oxalic acid dihydrate, PIPES, Phosphatebuffered saline, piperazine, Potassium D-tartrate monobasic, Potassiumacetate, Potassium bicarbonate, Potassium carbonate, Potassium chloride,Potassium citrate monobasic, Potassium citrate tribasic solution,Potassium formate, potassium hydroxide, Potassium oxalate monohydrate,Potassium phosphate dibasic, Potassium phosphate dibasic, for molecularbiology, anhydrous, Potassium phosphate monobasic, Potassium phosphatemonobasic, Potassium phosphate tribasic monohydrate, Potassium phthalatemonobasic, Potassium sodium tartrate, Potassium sodium tartratetetrahydrate, Potassium tetraborate tetrahydrate, Potassium tetraoxalatedihydrate, Propionic acid, STE buffer, STET buffer, Sodium5,5-diethylbarbiturate, Sodium acetate, Sodium acetate trihydrate,Sodium bicarbonate, Sodium bitartrate monohydrate, Sodium carbonatedecahydrate, Sodium carbonate, Sodium citrate monobasic, Sodium citratetribasic dihydrate, Sodium formate solution, Sodium oxalate, Sodiumphosphate dibasic dihydrate, Sodium phosphate dibasic dodecahydrate,Sodium phosphate dibasic solution, Sodium phosphate monobasic dihydrate,Sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, Sodium phosphate monobasicsolution, Sodium pyrophosphate dibasic, Sodium pyrophosphate tetrabasicdecahydrate, Sodium tartrate dibasic dihydrate, Sodium tartrate dibasicsolution, Sodium tetraborate decahydrate, TAPS, TES, TM buffer solution,TNT buffer solution, TRIS Glycine buffer, TRIS acetate-EDTA buffersolution, TRIS buffered saline, TRIS glycine SDS buffer solution, TRISphosphate-EDTA buffer solution, Tricine, Triethanolamine, Triethylamine,Triethylammonium acetate buffer, Triethylammonium phosphate solution,Trimethylammonium acetate solution, Trimethylammonium phosphatesolution, Tris-EDTA buffer solution, Trizma® acetate, Trizma® base,Trizma® carbonate, Trizma® hydrochloride, Trizma® maleate, andcombinations thereof.

Topical Formulations

The compositions of the invention may be, for example, administeredtopically. The compositions of the invention may be, for example, mixedwith pharmaceutically suitable auxiliaries, e.g., as described in thestandard reference, Gennaro et al., Remington: The Science and Practiceof Pharmacy. 20^(th) Edition Baltimore:Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,2000. By means of pharmaceutically suitable liquids the compositions maybe applied in the form of, for example, a solution, suspension, gel oremulsion. The compositions may also be formulated in, for example, apatch, ointment or can be enclosed in a device for local administrationto the skin.

The term “topical” as employed herein relates to the use of a compound,derivative or analogue as described herein, incorporated in a suitablepharmaceutical carrier, and applied at the site of, for example, a wart,for exertion of local action. Accordingly, such topical compositionsincluding those forms in which the composition is applied externally bydirect contact with the skin surface to be treated. Conventional formsfor this purpose include ointments, liniments, creams, shampoos,lotions, pastes, gels, sprays, aerosols, soaps, and the like, and may beapplied in patches or impregnated dressings depending on the part of thebody to be treated. The term “ointment” embraces formulations (includingcreams) having oleaginous, absorption, water-soluble and emulsion-typebases, e.g., petrolatum, lanolin, polyethylene glycols, as well asmixtures of these.

For topical use on the skin, eyelids, eyebrows, the compositions of theinvention can be formulated in aqueous solutions, gels, creams,ointments or oils exhibiting physiologically acceptable osmolarity byaddition of pharmacologically acceptable buffers and salts. Suchformulations may or may not, depending on the dispenser, containpreservatives such as benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine,chlorobutanol, parahydroxybenzoic acids and phenylmercuric salts such asnitrate, chloride, acetate, and borate, or antioxidants, as well asadditives like EDTA, sorbitol, boric acid, etc., as additives.Furthermore, particularly aqueous solutions may contain viscosityincreasing agents such as polysaccharides, e.g., methylcellulose,mucopolysaccharides, e.g., hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, orpolyalcohol, e.g., polyvinylalcohol. Various slow releasing gels andmatrices may also be employed as well as soluble and insoluble ocularinserts, for instance, based on substances forming in-situ gels.Depending on the actual formulation and the compositions of theinvention to be used, various amounts of the drug and different doseregimens may be employed.

For topical use, the compositions of the invention can be advantageouslyformulated using ointments, gels, creams, liniments or patches as acarrier of the active ingredient. Also, these formulations may or maynot contain preservatives, depending on the dispenser and nature of use.Such preservatives include those mentioned above, and methyl-, propyl-,or butyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, betain, chlorhexidine, benzalkoniumchloride, and the like. Various matrices for slow release delivery mayalso be used. The compositions of the invention may be administered onceor several times daily, with or without antioxidants.

Non-limiting examples of topical products can include, withoutlimitation, application stick, mascara, eyebrow coloring products, eyeshadow or other eye lid coloring products, eyeliner, make-up removalproducts, antiaging products, facial or body powder, nail polish,mousse, sprays, styling gels, nail conditioner, bath and shower gels,shampoos, conditioners, cream rinses, skin conditioners, sun tanninglotions and creams and sprays, sunscreens and sunblocks, skinconditioners, cold creams, moisturizers, soaps, body scrubs, exfoliants,astringents, depilatories and permanent waving solutions, antidandruffformulations, antisweat and antiperspirant compositions, shaving,preshaving and after shaving products, moisturizers, deodorants, coldcreams, cleansers, skin gels, and rinses.

Furthermore, the topical product can be applied topically, either inunit-dose or multi-use package, through the use of a patch or otherapplicator or delivery device. Delivery devices can include, but are notlimited to, those that can be heated or cooled, as well as those thatutilize iontophoresis or ultrasound.

For instance, the topical composition can be applied, for example, byapplying a composition in the form of a skin lotion, clear lotion, milkylotion, cream, gel, foam, ointment, paste, emulsion, spray, conditioner,tonic, cosmetic, application stick, pencil, foundation, nail polish,after-shave, or the like which is intended to be left on the skin orother keratinous tissue (i.e., a “leave-on” composition). After applyingthe composition to the keratinous tissue (e.g., skin), it in oneembodiment, it is left on for a period of at least about 15 minutes, orat least about 30 minutes, or at least about 1 hour, or for at leastseveral hours, e.g., up to about 12 hours. In one embodiment, thetopical product is left on overnight. In another embodiment, the topicalproduct is left on all day. Any part of the external portion of the bodycan be treated, (e.g., face, lips, under-eye area, eyelids, scalp, neck,torso, arms, legs, chest, hands, legs, feet, toenails, scalp, eyelashes,eyebrows, etc.)

Any suitable method can be used to apply the topical product, includingbut not limited to for example using the palms of the hands and/orfingers or a device or implement (e.g., a cotton ball, swab, pad,applicator pen, spray applicator, eyebrow brush, eyebrow brush pencil,pencil, mascara brush, etc.) Another approach to ensure a continuousexposure of the keratinous tissue to at least a minimum level of thetopical product is to apply the compound by use of a patch applied,e.g., to the face. The patch can be occlusive, semi-occlusive ornon-occlusive, and can be adhesive or non-adhesive. The topical productcan be contained within the patch or be applied to the skin prior toapplication of the patch. The patch can also include additional activessuch as chemical initiators for exothermic reactions such as thosedescribed in PCT application WO 9701313, and in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,821,250, 5,981,547, and 5,972,957 to Wu, et al. The patch can be lefton the area to be treated for any suitable period of time. For example,a period of at least about 5 minutes, or at least about 15 minutes, orat least about 30 minutes, or at least about 1 hour, or at night as aform of night therapy, or in another embodiment all day.

The topical product can comprise any suitable desired materials. Forinstance, such materials can be selected from the group consisting ofsugar amines (e.g., N-acetylglucosamine), vitamin B3 compounds, sodiumdehydroacetate, dehydroacetic acid and its salts, phytosterols, soyderivaties (e.g., equol and other isoflavones), niacinamide,phytantriol, farnesol, bisabolol, salicylic acid compositions,hexamidines, dialkanoyl hydroxyproline compositions, flavonoids, N-acylamino acid compositions, retinoids (e.g., retinyl propionate),water-soluble vitamins, ascorbates (e.g., vitamin C, ascorbic acid,ascorbyl glucoside, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate,sodium ascorbyl phosphate), particulate materials, sunscreen actives,anti-cellulite agents, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylatedhydroxyanisole, their derivatives, and combinations thereof. Otherexamples include cationic polymers, conditioning agents (hydrocarbonoils, fatty esters, silicones), anti-dandruff agents, suspending agents,viscosity modifiers, dyes, nonvolatile solvents or diluents (watersoluble and insoluble), pearlescent aids, foam boosters, surfactants,nonionic cosurfactants, pediculocides, pH adjusting agents, perfumes,preservatives, chelants, chelating agents, proteins, UV absorbers,pigments, other amino acids, and other vitamins.

For instance, topical products for use herein may comprise one or morevitamins and/or amino acids such as: water soluble vitamins such asvitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, C, pantothenic acid, pantothenyl ethyl ether,panthenol, biotin, and their derivatives, water soluble amino acids suchas asparagine, alanine, indole, glutamic acid and their salts, waterinsoluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E, and their derivatives, waterinsoluble amino acids such as tyrosine, tryptamine, and their salts.

Topical products may also contain one or more pigment materials such asinorganic, nitroso, monoazo, diazo, carotenoid, triphenyl methane,triaryl methane, xanthene, quinoline, oxazine, azine, anthraquinone,indigoid, thionindigoid, quinacridone, phthalocianine, botanical,natural colors, including water soluble components. The topical productsmay also contain antimicrobial agents which are useful as cosmeticbiocides and antidandruff agents including: water soluble componentssuch as piroctone olamine, water insoluble components such as3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide (trichlosan), triclocarban and zincpyrithione.

In some embodiments, the composition is chronically applied to the skin.By “chronic topical application” is meant continued topical applicationof the composition over an extended period during the subject'slifetime, for example, for a period of at least about one week, or for aperiod of at least about one month, or for at least about three months,or for at least about six months, or for at least about one year. Whilebenefits are obtainable after various periods of use (e.g., five, ten ortwenty years), chronic application can continue throughout the subject'slifetime. Typically applications would be on the order of about once perday over such extended periods, however application rates can vary fromabout once per week up to about three times per day or more.

Regulating keratinous tissue condition can be practiced by applying acomposition of the invention in the form of a skin lotion, cream, gel,foam, ointment, paste, emulsion, spray, conditioner, tonic, cosmetic,lipstick, foundation, nail polish, after-shave, or the like that ispreferably intended to be left on the skin or other keratin structurefor some esthetic, prophylactic, therapeutic or other benefit (i.e., a“leave-on” composition). After applying the composition to the skin, itcan be left on the skin for a period of at least about 15 minutes, or atleast about 30 minutes, or at least about 1 hour, or for at leastseveral hours, for example, up to about 12 hours.

Additional Ingredients

In addition, the compositions of the invention may include various otherand additional ingredients, which may be active, functional,conventionally used in cosmetic, personal care or topical/transdermalpharmaceutical products or otherwise. Of course, a decision to includean additional ingredient and the choice of specific additionalingredients depends on the specific application and product formulation.Also, the line of demarcation between an “active” ingredient and an“inactive ingredient” is artificial and dependent on the specificapplication and product type. A substance that is an “active” ingredientin one application or product may be a “functional” ingredient inanother, and vice versa. A particular ingredient might providesubstantivity in one formulation, facilitate transdermal application inanother, and merely provide proper viscosity in a third. Which of theseis functional and which is active is subject to debate. But, regardlessof the outcome, the material in question would qualify as an additionalingredient in accordance with the present invention.

Thus, the compositions of the invention may include one or moreadditional ingredients, which provide some benefit to the object of thecomposition. Such additional ingredients may include one or moresubstances such as, without limitations, cleaning agents, conditioningagents, skin conditioning agents, antidandruff agents, growth promoters,perfumes, sunscreen and/or sunblock compositions, pigments,moisturizers, film formers, colors, make-up agents, detergents,pharmaceuticals, thickening agents, emulsifiers, humectants, emollients,antiseptic agents, deodorant actives, dermatologically acceptablecarriers, surfactants, bleaching agents, and combinations thereof.

The compositions of the present invention generally contain at least oneadditional ingredient. The compositions of the present invention maycontain a plurality of additional ingredients as well.

The CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Ninth Edition (2002) describes awide variety of nonlimiting cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredientscommonly used in the skin care industry, which are suitable for use asadditional ingredients in the compositions of the present invention.Non-limiting examples of these additional ingredient classes include:abrasives, absorbents, aesthetic components such as fragrances,pigments, colorings/colorants, essential oils, skin sensates,astringents, etc. (e.g., clove oil, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil,eugenol, menthyl lactate, witch hazel distillate), anti-acne agents,anti-caking agents, antifoaming agents, antimicrobial agents (e.g.,iodopropyl butylcarbamate), antioxidants, binders, biological additives,buffering agents, bulking agents, chelating agents, chemical additives,colorants, cosmetic astringents, cosmetic biocides, denaturants, drugastringents, external analgesics, film formers or materials, e.g.,polymers, for aiding the film-forming properties and substantivity ofthe composition (e.g., copolymer of eicosene and vinyl pyrrolidone),opacifying agents, pH adjusters, propellants, reducing agents,sequestrants, skin bleaching and lightening agents (e.g., hydroquinone,kojic acid, ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbylglucosamine), skin-conditioning agents (e.g., humectants, includingmiscellaneous and occlusive), skin soothing and/or healing agents (e.g.,panthenol and derivatives (e.g., ethyl panthenol), aloe vera,pantothenic acid and its derivatives, allantoin, bisabolol, anddipotassium glycyrrhizinate), skin treating agents, thickeners, vitaminsand derivatives thereof, bleaching agents, and combinations thereof.

In any embodiment of the present invention, however, the additionalingredients useful herein can be categorized by the benefit they provideor by their postulated mode of action. However, it is to be understoodthat the additional ingredients useful herein can in some instancesprovide more than one benefit or operate via more than one mode ofaction. Therefore, classifications herein are made for the sake ofconvenience and are not intended to limit the additional ingredients tothat particular application or applications listed.

The invention will be illustrated in more detail with reference to thefollowing Examples, but it should be understood that the presentinvention is not deemed to be limited thereto.

EXAMPLES Example 1

The inventors have developed the following exemplary formulation,designated as CLS003. The CLS003 drug product is a topical gelcontaining both digoxin and furosemide each at concentrations of 0.125%w/w. The quantitative formulation is provided below:

CLS003

Dehydrated Alcohol (Ethanol) 200 proof, USP  38.7% Digoxin, Ph.Eur/USP 0.125% Furosemide, Ph.Eur/USP  0.125% Propylene Glycol, USP 48.375%*100 mM Citrate Buffer, pH5.5**, pH. EUR/USP  9.675% HydroxypropylCellulose, Ph. EUR/USP  3.00% *For gels containing either digoxin orfurosemide alone, propylene glycol may be increased. **100 mM citratebuffer, pH 5.5 consists of: ~320 parts of a solution containing 19.21 gCitric Acid Anhydrous Ph. EUR/USP/1000 mL Purified Water Ph. EUR/USP~680 parts of a solution containing 29.40 g Sodium Citrate Dihydrate.Ph. EUR/USP/1000 mL Purified Water Ph. EUR/USP

Example 2

The Inventors conducted a study regarding digoxin, furosemide, anddigoxin-furosemide combination topical formulations. The study testedthe effects of single and combined drugs on virus DNA and RNAreplication. Bio-banked HPV-positive Hela S3 cells were cultured andthen incubated for 24 hours with varying concentrations of digoxin,furosemide, and digoxin-furosemide combination. Quantitative PCR wasused to determine the anti-viral activity of the compounds. Digoxinshowed a dose-dependent anti-viral activity both on HPV DNA (viral load)and mRNA levels. Furosemide treatment at the highest dose showedanti-viral effect on HPV viral load and mRNA levels. Cidofovir, anotherknown antiviral drug for DNA virus, effectively inhibited HPV mRNA butnot the viral load at 24 hours. Combined digoxin-furosemide drugtreatments showed significant decreases on the HPV viral load and mRNAlevels. Hela cells were treated with a different combination of digoxin(0, 0.5, 2 μg/mL) and furosemide (50, 100, 200, 500 μg/mL). Asexperimental controls, non-drug treated and cidofovir (65 μM) treatedwells were also included. Combined drug treatments showed synergisticeffects on anti-viral activity.

Specifically, among all drug combinations tested, the most effectiveanti-viral effect on viral DNA was digoxin at 2 μg/mL in the presence offurosemide at 200 or 500 μg/mL. The data are summarized in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Summary of In vitro efficacy against HPV18 in Hela cell culture.Single and combined drug 24 hour treatment experiment (10-1 to 10-32012) ^(a) Digoxin Furosemide HPV HPV RNA HPV RNA (μg/mL) (μg/mL) DNA(pg) 2 (-ΔΔCT) = RQ Log10RQ Controls (no drug or cidofovir) 0 0 27.341.000 0.00 Cidofovir 17.38 0.119 −0.92 Furosemide alone 0 50 26.87 1.2680.10 0 100 11.62 1.305 0.12 0 200 26.64 1.127 0.05 0 500 10.51 1.3210.12 Digoxin and furosemide in combination 0.5 50 17.72 0.219 −0.66 0.5100 10.10 0.281 −0.55 0.5 200 17.59 0.341 −0.47 0.5 500 13.32 0.321−0.49 2 50 12.74 0.075 −1.13 2 100 15.83 0.055 −1.26 2 200 11.86 0.051−1.29 2 500 7.12 0.107 −0.97

The inventors further conducted an in vitro study to test the efficacyof digoxin and furosemide through the examination of viral load. Hela S3cells were treated with different combinations of digoxin (0, 0.1, 0.5,2 μg/mL) and furosemide (0, 50, 100, 200, 500 μg/mL). Non-drug treated(NT) cells and cidofovir (65 μM) treated cells served as controls. Thestudy took place over a total of four days. Anti-viral effects wereclearly observed at the 48-hour mark in the treated sample. A cleardose-dependent anti-viral activity on DNA viral load, as well asanti-viral activity indicated by mRNA, was observed in both furosemide-and digoxin-treated samples, as consistent with the previous results.Again, furosemide effects were observed most significantly in thepresence of 2 μg/mL of digoxin for both DNA viral load andmRNA-indicated anti-viral activity. Cidofovir inhibited HPV mRNA; it didnot have an effect on DNA viral load at 24 hours, but did affect theviral load at 48 hours. The data are summarized in the Table 2 and FIGS.1 and 2.

TABLE 2 Summary of in vitro efficacy against HPV18 in Hela cell culture.Single and combined drug 48 hour treatment experiment (11-26 to 11-302012)^(a) Digoxin Furosemide HPV HPV RNA HPV RNA (μg/mL) (μg/mL) DNA(pg) 2 (-ΔΔCT) = RQ Log10RQ Controls (no drug or cidofovir) 0 0 33.871.000 0.00 Cidofovir 21.30 0.053 −1.27 0.1 0 21.80 0.471 −0.33 0.5 010.16 0.353 −0.45 2 0 3.93 0.026 −1.58 0 50 29.67 0.837 −0.08 0 10043.45 0.918 −0.04 0 200 25.94 0.725 −0.14 0 500 21.30 0.531 −0.27Digoxin and furosemide in combination 0.1 50 20.38 0.437 −.036 0.1 10014.85 0.539 −0.27 0.1 200 14.07 0.279 −0.55 0.1 500 7.91 0.444 −0.35 0.550 9.59 0.289 −0.54 0.5 100 10.27 0.321 −0.49 0.5 200 6.00 0.257 −0.590.5 500 4.90 0.215 −0.67 2 50 3.21 0.020 −1.7 2 100 3.41 0.018 −1.74 2200 3.73 0.029 −1.54 2 500 3.77 0.073 −1.14

Example 3

The inventors further conducted a stability study comparing non-bufferedand buffered formulations. The Tables below summarizes the improvedstability profile of the buffered formulation as compared to anon-buffered formulation. These are 6 month stressed storage results. Inthe presence of the buffer, the active potency is maintained, and thenumber and level of degradation products is significantly reduced. Thenon-buffered formulation is not commercially viable due to theformulation; whereas, the buffered formulation represents a commerciallyviable product.

Non-buffered Topical Gel Citrate-buffered Topical Gel T6M T6M TestParameter T0 40° C./75% RH T0 40° C./75% RH Assay-DIG (% LC) 97.4% 79.7%98.6% 100.5% Degradation products 0.41% (RRT 0.84) 4.26% (RRT 0.41)0.46% (RRT 0.84) 0.62% (RRT 0.84) Digoxin (% LC) Total = 0.41% 3.12%(RRT 0.60) Total = 0.46% Total = 0.62% 8.10% (RRT 0.84) Total = 15.48%Assay-FSM (% LC) 97.2% 84.6% 99.9% 103.0% Degradation products 0.05%(RRT 0.18) 2.79% (RRT 0.16) Total = BLQ 0.13% (RRT 0.16) Furosemide (%LC) Total = 0.05% 5.49% (RRT 0.18) 0.13% (RRT 0.18) 0.09% (RRT 0.26)Total = 0.26% 0.07% (RRT 0.60) 0.14% (RRT 0.71) 0.49% (RRT 0.91) 0.07%(RRT 1.35) Total = 9.14%

Example 4

Two in vitro studies compared the percutaneous absorption delivery ofboth digoxin and furosemide to receptor fluid using a Franz-celldiffusion chamber between the citrate buffered formulation, whichincludes digoxin 0.125%/furosemide 0.125% with citrate buffer, alongwith the unbuffered formulation. The studies measured the flux of bothfurosemide and digoxin, and the compound accumulation of both digoxinand furosemide in the dermis and epidermis skin sections. The results ofhuman cadaver skin studies are summarized in Table 3 and Table 4.

TABLE 3 Percutaneous Absorption of Digoxin in Human Cadaver Skin HumanCadaver Unbuffered Citrate Buffered Skin Studyt Parameter FormulationFormulation Study 1 Flux (pmol/cm²/h) 0.15 ± 0.13 1.88 ± 0.85Accumulation in 12.6 ± 5.00 11.2 ± 1.02 epidermis (μg/g) Accumulation in4.50 ± 0.22 4.56 ± 4.19 dermis (μg/g) Study 2 Flux (pmol/cm²/h) 0.30 ±0.22 1.96 ± 1.31 Accumulation in 24.8 ± 10.5 12.9 ± 6.07 epidermis(μg/g) Accumulation in 2.75 ± 1.05 4.19 ± 4.16 dermis (μg/g)

TABLE 4 Percutaneous Absorption of Furosemide in Human Cadaver SkinHuman Cadaver Unbuffered Citrate Buffered Skin Study ParameterFormulation Formulation Study 1 Flux (pmol/cm²/h) 29.40 ± 8.90  16.4 ±1.76 Accumulation in 78.2 ± 19.7 44.4 ± 9.66 epidermis (μg/g)Accumulation in 4.98 ± 1.00 3.51 ± 1.87 dermis (μg/g) Study 2 Flux(pmol/cm²/h) 21.8 ± 5.89 52.2 ± 26.9 Accumulation in  142 ± 15.7  121 ±15.1 epidermis (μg/g) Accumulation in 2.74 ± 0.91 5.37 ± 5.26 dermis(μg/g)

Summary of Results

-   -   The Citrate Buffered Formulation consistently exhibited a trend        of higher permeation of both digoxin and furosemide than the        Unbuffered Formulation across the human skin specimen used in        the current study.    -   The overall flux data from Citrate Buffered Formulation was more        linear than that from Unbuffered Formulation.    -   For both digoxin and furosemide, Unbuffered Formulation appeared        to result in higher accumulation in epidermis than Citrate        Buffered Formulation.    -   For both digoxin and furosemide, Citrate Buffered Formulation        appeared to result in higher accumulation in dermis than        Unbuffered Formulation.

The formulation of the invention have the further benefit of limitingsystemic exposure. While the flux (J) of digoxin in the bufferedformulation is improved over that of the unbuffered, the digoxin levelsare still well within the margin of safety established in thenon-clinical mini-pig model.

The results for digoxin plasma concentrations observed in the completed7-day minipig study formed the basis for justification of the humandose. The data from the group treated with the 0.125% w/w digoxin 0.125%w/w furosemide formulation were most relevant as this is the formulationfor clinical study. In the minipig study the treated area was 270 cm²representing 10% of body surface area (BSA) and the standard doseapplied was 2.6 mL. The resulting mean ±SD day 7 C_(max) was 1,045±1,065pg/mL (1.045±1.065 ng/mL). This provides an estimate of the 95%confidence interval upper limit of 3,132 pg/mL (3.132 ng/mL) for the day7 C_(max).

A reasonable limitation was considered to be 10-fold below theapplication area in the 7-day minipig study, or 1% of BSA not to exceed7 days of application. If the digoxin bioavailability was the same inman as in mini pigs, a conservative estimate of the mean day 7 C_(max)was approximately 300 pg/mL (0.30 ng/mL). Human body surface area is18,000 cm² and 16,000 cm² for males and females, respectively. Themaximum application area should be limited to 160 cm² and the maximumdose volume should be limited to 1.6 mL of the gel per day(approximately 1,500 mg). For additional information please refer to theInvestigator's Brochure.

Based upon literature and preclinical data a PK simulation of digoxinwas also established. The following assumptions were made:

-   -   i) (pseudo) zero order release from formulation, i.e upper        layers of stratum corneum through skin barrier;    -   ii) Flux input during 7 consecutive days;    -   iii) Flux (J=31 pmol/cm²/h); derived from ex vivo experiment        (CLS003 on human cadaver skin);    -   iv) KR=0.33 h⁻¹ (compound specific release rate constant) was        estimated from literature [6];    -   v) Simplified 1 compartmental model (absorption of transdermal        digoxin into central plasma compartment);    -   vi) Skin reservoir depletes in <56 h after last administration;    -   vii) Systemic PK parameters: Vd=548 L; Cl=9.5 L/h; (based on        Dutch National Formulary);    -   viii) Surface (S)=98 cm²; and    -   ix) Conservative estimation where no degradation in skin        compartment takes place.

The simulation of the PK of digoxin with these assumptions lead to aC_(max) in plasma of 0.235 ng/mL, which is more than three times belowthe minimal effective dose for indications heart failure and atriumfibrillation and 8.5 times lower than the minimal toxic dose.

Example 5

In addition, the formulation of the invention exhibits improvedstability over previous formulations.

-   -   12 Month stressed condition stability on citrate-buffered dual        gel (digoxin and furosemide)    -   6 Month stressed condition stability data on a phosphate        buffered gel which also demonstrate acceptable stability over a        different pH range; however, the digoxin-related impurity        profile was not as satisfactory as that of citrate buffer at the        same stability time point (as shown in the patent application        p.25.)    -   6 Month stressed condition stability data on NaOH-containing        gel, adjusted to pH 6.7.    -   6 Month stressed condition stability on the individual,        digoxin-only, citrate-buffered gel formulation

Storage pH Formulation Condition Assay Level of impurities rangeCitrate-buffered dual gel 12M 40° C./ DIG: 98.8% DIG-related: 0.97%6.5-6.8 (digoxin + furosemide)/ 75% RH (t0 = 98.6%) FSM-related: 0.48%FSM: 100.6% (t0 = 99.9%) Phosphate-buffered dual 6M 40° C./75%RH DIG:98.5% DIG-related: 2.82% 5.3-5.8 gel (digoxin + (t0 = 101.0%)FSM-related: 0.16% furosemide)/ FSM: 100.7% (t0 = 101.8%) NaOH pHadjusted dual 6M 40° C./75% RH DIG: 100.1% DIG-related: 0.72% 6.5-6.8gel (digoxin + (t0 = 99.4%) FSM-related: 0.17% furosemide)/ FSM: 103.1%(t0 = 102.6%) Citrate-buffered digoxin- 6M 40° C./75% RH DIG: 95.1%0.52% 6.7-6.8 only gel (t0 = 97.0%) (t0 = 0.44%)

Example 6

The formulation of the invention exhibits improved stability overprevious formulations, even in stressed conditions.

Quantitative composition of 0.125% w/w Furosemide Topical Gel(Formulation No. 3672)

Component % w/w Furosemide 0.125 Ethanol 38.75 Propylene Glycol 48.4375Hydroxypropyl Cellulose 3.00 100 mM Citrate Buffer 9.6875

Stability Data for Furosemide Single Active

0.125% (w/w) Furosemide Citrate Buffered Gel (FID#3672) in Glaminatetubes Lot: CTA974_001-02 (R&D)

Storage at 25 C/60% RH

Time point (Month) 0 3 6 pH 6.5 6.4 NT Assay (% LC) 101.2% 102.3% 101.4%Sum of Related  0.19%  0.17%  0.25% substances (% LC)

Storage at 40 C/75% RH

Time point (Month) 0 3 6 pH 6.5 6.5 NT Assay (% LC) 101.2% 101.2% 102.1%Sum of Related  0.19%  0.24%  0.28% substances (% LC)

0.125% (w/w) Furosemide Citrate Buffered Gel (FID#3672) in Glaminatetubes Lot: 36720110914 (GMP)

Storage at 25 C/60% RH

Time point (Month) 0 6 pH 6.7 6.8 Assay (% LC) 96.5% 100.8% Sum ofRelated 0.13%  0.13% substances (% LC)

Storage at 40 C/75% RH

Time point (Month) 0 6 pH 6.7 6.9 Assay (% LC) 96.5% 100.7% Sum ofRelated 0.13%  0.16% substances (% LC)

Example 7

The Inventors conducted an Ionic Contra Viral Therapy Phase 2 Study. Thestudy tested the effects of topical application of the compositions ofthe invention comprising furosemide alone, digoxin alone, ordigoxin-furosemide combination as compared to control vehicle only. Thecompositions were tested against Common and plantar warts in testsubjects. No effect or activity of vehicle was observed. Clearance andreduction of untreated warts occurs in active treatment groups (not withvehicle).

Efficacy Results

All three active treatments showed statistical significant effects onwart size reduction in all treated warts compared to vehicle, with themost pronounced effect of the dual active, i.e. digoxin+furosemide.Similar effects of the three active treatments were observed on wartclearance while vehicle treatment did not result in completely clearedlesions. In addition, qPCR data showed an effect on viral load reductionof any HPV in swabs with CLS003 in all treatment groups compared tovehicle.

Safety Results

The results from the current study show that CLS003 is safe and welltolerated with once-daily (QD) administration for up to 42 consecutivedays to subjects with cutaneous warts. The overall incidence ofTreatment-Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) was similar among subjectsreceiving active treatment and vehicle. No clinically significantchanges were attributable to treatment with CLS003 for any haematology,clinical chemistry, urinalysis, vital signs, or electrocardiographic(ECG) parameters.

The following Table presents a Summary of the clearance of both treatedand untreated warts in active treatment groups (not with vehicle) forboth common and plantar warts.

As can be seen, clearance is approximately double for common overplantar, as shown in the following Table.

TABLE 5 Number treated and Cleared Treatment Wart Type untreated n (%)Vehicle Common 32 0 (0%) Plantar 27 0 (0%) Dig + Fur Common 19 4 (21.0%)Plantar 26 3 (11.5%) Digoxin Common 30 7 (23.3%) Plantar 23 2 (8.7%)Furosemide Common 31 7 (22.6%) Plantar 30 4 (13.3%)

The data is presented in FIGS. 3 and 4. The data for thePharmacodynamics of All Treated Wart Clearance is summarized in thefollowing Table:

TABLE 6 Treatment Not Clear Clear Vehicle 38 (100%) 0 (0%) Dig + Fur 21(81%) 5 (19%) Digoxin 26 (81%) 6 (19%) Furosemide 33 (80%) 8 (20%)

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the artthat various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pharmaceutical topical gel formulationcomprising: at least one cardiac glycoside; alkylene glycol in the rangeof about 20-60% w/w; ethanol in the range of about 20-60% w/w; at leastone thickener in the range of about 0.5% to 5% w/w; a buffer whichmaintains the formulation pH at about pH 3 to about pH 8; andoptionally, polyalkylene glycol in the range of about 0-20% w/w; q.s.with water, wherein the concentrations are based on the total weight ofthe formulation, further wherein the topical gel formulation isanti-viral.
 2. A pharmaceutical topical gel formulation as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the topical gel formulation is storage stable at roomtemperature.
 3. A pharmaceutical topical gel formulation as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the topical gel formulation is capable of cutaneousand/or dermal delivery.
 4. A pharmaceutical topical gel formulation asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the cardiac glycoside comprises one or moreof the following: digoxin, digitoxin, methyl digoxin, lanatoside C,proscillaridin, k strophantin, peruvoside and ouabain.
 5. Apharmaceutical topical gel formulation as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe buffer is citric acid and sodium citrate.
 6. A pharmaceuticaltopical gel formulation as claimed in claim 1, in which the thickenercomprises one or more of the following: Carbomers, cellulosederivatives, or hydroxyalkylcellulose.
 7. A pharmaceutical topical gelformulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickener compriseshydroxypropylcellulose, in an amount of about 1 to 5% by weight based onthe total weight of the formulation.
 8. A pharmaceutical topical gelformulation as claimed in claim 1, for use in the prevention and/ortreatment of DNA viral infections selected from viral infections, humanpapilloma virus infection, latent HPV infection, sub-clinical HPVinfection, clinical HPV infection, RNA viral infections, herpes simplexviral infections, actinic keratosis, Epidermodysplasia verruciformis,human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1), EBV, CMV, SV40-like virus,hepatitis virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), adenovirus,influenza virus, VIN (vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia), CIN (cervicalintraepithelial neoplasia), and combinations thereof.
 9. A method fortreating or preventing a disease or condition in a patient, wherein thedisease or condition is selected from the group consisting of viralinfections, human papilloma virus infection, latent HPV infection,sub-clinical HPV infection, clinical HPV infection, RNA viralinfections, herpes simplex viral infections, actinic keratosis,Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, human T-lymphotropic virus type I(HTLV-1), EBV, CMV, SV40-like virus, hepatitis virus, humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV), adenovirus, influenza virus, VIN (vulvarintraepithelial neoplasia), CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia),and combinations thereof, wherein said method comprises: selecting apatient in need of treating or preventing said disease or condition;administering to the patient the pharmaceutical topical gel compositionof claim 1 in a therapeutically effective amount, thereby treating orpreventing said disease in said patient.